Visit the UK’s leading indoor agricultural event, with eleven packed halls of the very latest in agricultural machinery and equipment. Now at the NEC, Birmingham this is free to attend and free to park.

FUW Deputy President Brian Thomas responded to the news saying: “This announcement comes just weeks after we heard that Cowbridge market is closing and can only be described as another blow for our industry.

“The auctioneers have valid reasons for closing the site and it won’t have been an easy decision for them to make," he said.

Lifeline

“The closure of any local mart removes a vital lifeline from the community and also makes it necessary for farmers to travel far greater distances to sell their stock.

“Sadly this is a sign of the times and I fear for the future of some smaller livestock markets.”

FUW Vice President Ian Rickman added: “Livestock marts and abattoirs need to be a part of our natural infrastructure.

“Without them we are forced into road haulage and that at a time when we are conscious of keeping food miles down and doing our best to combat climate change."